What does it mean to be a part of ‘women in technology’? For me, it means being a woman in tech is about making space for other women to be in tech as well.
Ten years ago, if you asked me what it meant to have a ‘women in tech’ group and if there was any value in such an endeavor, I would have said no.
Women in Tech is Standard
Growing up in Jamaica, there were always women in power. We had a woman prime minister. We have the highest rates of women leaders in the world. Women comprised most of my university classes. Yes, I was
a Computer Science major, and the women outnumbered the men.
I saw no disparity or any tendency leaning towards a male-dominated field. Even when I started my career, a lot of my fellow workmates were women.
What changed? Moving to another country showed me that not every woman feels as comfortable going into tech. In some places in the world computer science is a male-oriented field and is dominated by males. There are women who are passing up a chance at a great paying career because their society does not appreciate the contribution they could make.
I spoke to young women who told me that guys would look down on them as a woman, downplaying their femininity, if they chose engineering subjects. What’s up with that crap?
Bring More Women to Tech
Now, I am certain women in tech groups are important. They’re not about the domination of any gender. They’re not about enabling further disparity within the tech field. It’s about showing an example to the younger generation that there are no limitations in their career choices. Boys are not better at math or engineering subjects. We should not limit girls to the social sciences.
Women have the power to engage or create whatever they want. This means being a software engineer, data engineer, web designer, project manager, or whatever else they may choose.
I enjoy being an example, not because I am perfect. I like to think there may be one woman or girl who looks at me and thinks, “Hey, I can do that too!”.
It’s Not Perfect But It’s Good
There have been many studies that say women leave the tech field at a higher rate than men. Many will want to say this is because women leave to start families. Many women have started families and stayed in tech but are still thinking to leave.
There is a lot of stress in needing to prove day-in and day-out that you belong and are competent. In some areas, women still face that. It’s not an easy career, and it’s not perfect either, but it’s worth it.
Do It for Other Women in Tech
When I get the chance to speak at women in tech conferences or be a guest on a podcast, I do it as an example for women who may need it. I do it for other women to see what can be accomplished by discarding gender roles.
There are a lot more solutions to be created for the millions of problems that exist today. We will need people of every gender, race, and nationality to create them. The woman left behind is a solution creator. No woman should be left behind.
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